Prepare With Confidence
For many people seeking lawful permanent residence, an immigration medical exam is a required part of the application process. It is a focused review of health and vaccination requirements, not a general wellness physical. Whether you need the exam depends on your case, so check the instructions that apply to your application.
If you are applying from within the United States, the exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Applicants applying from abroad follow a different process with an authorized panel physician. Confirm the right provider and requirements before booking.
Gathering medical and vaccination records, noting questions, and asking the clinic about appointment details can help you feel prepared. At Jana HealthCare, multidisciplinary clinical care provides a setting to discuss health concerns as part of a personalized approach; confirm directly whether the practice has an authorized civil surgeon for your exam.
Understand the Exam and Its Purpose
Many people applying to adjust status to lawful permanent resident need an immigration medical examination, though some may need only a vaccination assessment. The requirement depends on the application and individual circumstances, so check the current USCIS medical examination guidance or ask a qualified immigration professional about your case.
The exam must be completed by a provider authorized for your application route. Applicants inside the United States need a USCIS-designated civil surgeon; applicants outside the country use a Department of State-authorized panel physician and should follow the instructions from the relevant embassy or consulate. A visit with a regular doctor does not substitute for this examination.
What is a USCIS immigration medical exam, and who needs one?
The civil surgeon reviews medical history, conducts an examination, checks vaccination records, and orders tests required under current rules. Findings are recorded on Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Confirm the current form edition and filing instructions with USCIS, since submission requirements may depend on your case.
What health conditions could affect eligibility for a U.S. green card?
This is an immigration-focused assessment, not a judgment of whether someone is in perfect health. Screening addresses specified public-health concerns, certain physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior, drug abuse or addiction, and vaccination requirements. A chronic condition alone does not necessarily determine eligibility. Discuss personal concerns with the authorized examiner and, when needed, a qualified immigration attorney.
At janahealthcare.com, care is offered through a multidisciplinary Brooklyn practice combining clinical services, wellness therapies, and cosmetic dermatology. For an immigration exam, first confirm that the provider you choose is designated for your application route, then follow the relevant government instructions.
Know What the Civil Surgeon Reviews
A USCIS-designated civil surgeon reviews your medical history and vaccination records, then performs a physical examination. This is an immigration medical assessment, so expect questions about past illnesses, current medications, and relevant physical or mental health history. For more detail on the appointment, see this guide to what happens during an immigration medical exam.
Be ready to answer questions fully and accurately. A clear account of your health history helps the civil surgeon complete the required record and decide whether further evaluation is needed. At janahealthcare.com, care is delivered through a multidisciplinary medical practice, although only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can conduct the immigration examination.
Depending on your age and current requirements, screening for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, or gonorrhea may be required. The CDC’s Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons guide parts of the examination; required tests are not identical for every applicant.
The surgeon also checks which vaccinations are documented and whether additional doses, evidence of immunity, or follow-up may be needed. The CDC vaccination instructions explain how vaccination needs are assessed. If tests or treatment are needed, the form may take longer to complete, so ask the surgeon’s office what to expect.
Gather Records Before Your Appointment
Gathering documents ahead of time can help the civil surgeon review your history and complete the immigration paperwork. Use this checklist as a starting point, then confirm the clinic’s requirements and the current Form I-693 instructions.
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Bring Form I-693 if the clinic asks you to bring it. Complete only the sections the office tells you to complete, and do not sign until the civil surgeon instructs you.
- Bring available written vaccination records and relevant medical records, including information about prior testing or treatment when applicable.
- Bring a current list of medications, including doses if known, so the civil surgeon can review what you take.
For a child age 14 or younger, bring identification showing the child’s name, date and place of birth, and both parents’ full names. A birth certificate with an English translation or an affidavit may be accepted; check with the clinic about what it requires.
Before the appointment, ask the office which documents and forms apply to your case, whether any form sections should be completed in advance, and whether you need to fast. If you would benefit from language support, ask the clinic how to arrange it. Procedures and test needs can vary, so avoid relying on another clinic’s checklist as a universal rule.
A visit generally includes a medical-history review, a physical examination, vaccination assessment, and any required screening tests. Answer questions accurately and follow the civil surgeon’s directions for completing and submitting Form I-693. For a practical record-gathering checklist, see what to bring to your immigration medical exam.
Review Vaccination Records and Requirements
Which vaccinations are required for the USCIS immigration medical exam? The answer depends on your age and CDC criteria, so the exam does not automatically require every vaccine recommended for routine care. The CDC vaccination instructions for civil surgeons list vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, Hib, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, varicella, pneumococcal disease, and influenza.
Bring any written vaccination records you have, with dates showing the month, day, and year. Self-reported doses without written proof are not accepted. If records are in another language, provide a reliable English translation. For a fuller preparation checklist, see vaccination records and requirements.
The civil surgeon reviews your records and medical history to decide whether you are up to date, need an indicated dose, or may use acceptable laboratory evidence of immunity for certain diseases. A contraindication or precaution may affect whether a vaccine is appropriate. At janahealthcare.com, care is offered within a multidisciplinary medical practice, so bring questions about your health history to the appointment. Check current USCIS vaccination requirements and CDC guidance, since rules can change.
Plan for Fees, Timing, and Form I-693
The cost and timing of an immigration medical exam depend on the civil surgeon’s practice and what your case requires. Before booking, ask about the examination fee, accepted payment methods, and whether the estimate includes laboratory tests, vaccinations, or follow-up visits. USCIS notes that fees can vary and suggests contacting several civil surgeons to compare costs. You can also check with your insurer, since a plan may not cover every part of the exam. For budgeting tips, see this guide to exam fees and related costs.
How long does a USCIS immigration medical exam take?
There is no single turnaround time. The appointment length varies with clinic scheduling and the examination, tests, or vaccinations needed. Lab results or additional requirements may mean a follow-up visit and delay completion of the paperwork by several days or longer. Ask the office about its scheduling and result timelines, and bring requested records to help the appointment proceed efficiently.
How much does a USCIS immigration medical exam cost?
USCIS does not set one price for the exam. Request an itemized estimate and ask whether the fee covers tests, vaccines, and follow-up care. Check coverage with both the provider and your insurer rather than assuming the full exam will be covered. At janahealthcare.com, patients can ask the practice directly about available services and costs; confirm what applies to your appointment before scheduling.
What is Form I-693, and how is it used in the immigration process?
Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, documents the required examination and vaccination review. After completing the necessary steps, the civil surgeon prepares the form and seals it for submission as USCIS directs. Keep the envelope intact: USCIS may not accept it if it has been opened or altered. Ask for a personal copy before the envelope is sealed, when available, and check the current Form I-693 and USCIS instructions for the latest edition and filing directions.
Confirm Details Before You Go
Before your appointment, confirm your case-specific requirements with USCIS and the authorized civil surgeon. Ask the office what documents to bring, which payment methods it accepts, what fees may apply, and whether follow-up testing could affect timing.
Keep your records together and write down any questions about your medical history or vaccination documentation. After the examination, ask for a personal copy of the completed Form I-693, and keep the official sealed envelope intact for submission. Knowing what to expect can make the appointment feel more manageable without treating this immigration exam as a general wellness visit.
